space startup: IIT Madras partners with Vellon Space for extra-terrestrial manufacturing research

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in orbital ‘microgravity research’.

Vellon Space will receive a technology development fund from IIT Madras to demonstrate its miniature space laboratory, called AsteriX Lab, in orbit.

The IIT Madras research centre, called Extra-Terrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM-IITM) is the pilot customer for this in-orbit demonstration mission of Vellon Space.

“This demonstration sows the seed for biomanufacturing in space, which can revolutionise cell culture and drug development processes in space, ultimately leading to enhanced pharmaceuticals and better human health outcomes,” Sathyan Subbiah, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras and coordinator of ExTeM-IITM, said in a statement.

During its demonstration, the AsteriX Lab will undergo space qualification to conduct biological experiments, particularly in long-duration cell culture, under lower earth microgravity. This demonstration in space is expected to take place by 2025.

Discover the stories of your interest

ExTeM-IITM is a group of researchers at IIT Madras teaming up to focus on developing technologies for manufacturing things in space—for space use and for use back on earth.“This collaboration could include significant advancements in understanding microgravity’s effects on biological systems, innovations in drug development processes, and the creation of commercial opportunities in the space technology sector,” said domain expert G K Suraishkumar, professor in the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras and co-principal investigator of phase 02 of ExTeM.

Ajay Kumar, founder and CEO of Vellon Space, said there is a strategic alignment of expertise and resources in this partnership. “This joint effort will not only drive scientific advancements but also pave the way for future endeavours in in-space manufacturing,” he said.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in orbital ‘microgravity research’.

Vellon Space will receive a technology development fund from IIT Madras to demonstrate its miniature space laboratory, called AsteriX Lab, in orbit.

The IIT Madras research centre, called Extra-Terrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM-IITM) is the pilot customer for this in-orbit demonstration mission of Vellon Space.

“This demonstration sows the seed for biomanufacturing in space, which can revolutionise cell culture and drug development processes in space, ultimately leading to enhanced pharmaceuticals and better human health outcomes,” Sathyan Subbiah, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras and coordinator of ExTeM-IITM, said in a statement.

During its demonstration, the AsteriX Lab will undergo space qualification to conduct biological experiments, particularly in long-duration cell culture, under lower earth microgravity. This demonstration in space is expected to take place by 2025.

Discover the stories of your interest

ExTeM-IITM is a group of researchers at IIT Madras teaming up to focus on developing technologies for manufacturing things in space—for space use and for use back on earth.“This collaboration could include significant advancements in understanding microgravity’s effects on biological systems, innovations in drug development processes, and the creation of commercial opportunities in the space technology sector,” said domain expert G K Suraishkumar, professor in the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras and co-principal investigator of phase 02 of ExTeM.

Ajay Kumar, founder and CEO of Vellon Space, said there is a strategic alignment of expertise and resources in this partnership. “This joint effort will not only drive scientific advancements but also pave the way for future endeavours in in-space manufacturing,” he said.